Friday, February 17, 2017

This was a workshop with a
twist—not theme based as always, but grew out of Mrs. Padma Swaminathan’s idea of exchanging
vases. It was decided that flowers and greens too would be exchanged and this
suggestion was welcomed by all. In most workshops the theme is fixed in advance, and members have ample time to plan the arrangement. But today the challenge was to create something from an unknown set of materials. Once everyone had assembled, the materials were numbered, lots picked and all good to go.

Eleven members were present
and it was good to have Ambika in our midst again, as she had been unable to attend a couple of earlier workshops .

Sensei Padma works her magic

Mrs. Malathi Pandurang began with a
brief introduction of Sensei Padma, who also demonstrated on-the-spot creativity, arranging in a deep brown ceramic vase, yellow and red gerbera and local green material. A single brown twig curving downwards created an expanse of space in this eye catching piece.

A close up of her finished piece, evoking freshness and summer days

Sensei Padma's work

Fresh and dried material come together in perfect harmonyin the experienced hands of Sensei Padma Swaminathan

Sensei Padma combines angles and curves with colour for this piece using two kenzan

A dramatic silence pervaded the
room as members first observed the materials put together by others and
pondered over how best to showcase them. Prerana said she had a feeling of
going for an exam as she had to use materials not planned by her but by someone
else!

An army green suiban, matching leaves and yellow roses inspire Sensei Janaki to recreate spheres with roses and the two halves of the palm leaf

The end result was beauty and
creativity that was truly inspiring and led us to believe that it is possible
to rise up to any challenge if it is approached with an open mindset. As the proverb goes: " A picture is worth a thousand words" and so, here goes!

Chitra Rajan uses two kenzan to create this piece-- "In Conversation", using trimmed palm leaf and gerberas blending with the green vase

The use of dried material by many members is a tribute to the faith of Chennai in the aftermath of cyclone Vardah, that this too shall pass and we will move forward again.

Yellow chrysanthemums and dried branch show line and mass in this piece by Sensei Dalley.

Sensei Prerana contrasts the glossy black vase with fresh white and orange carnations and Chinese bamboo for a sense of drama